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Addressing the members of Northern Areas Council, Ulema, notables of Baltistan at Cadet College Skardu, Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf said his government would serve the people of the country without any discrimination and would give special attention to the development of backward and remote areas of the country.

"We do not have any political motive. Our aim and objective is to serve the people of Pakistan", he added.

"We will not make false promises. We will tell you what we have done and will share with you the reasons for what we could not do,' he added.

The Chief Executive said, the Northern Areas are very close to my heart because the people of this region have given valuable sacrifices and shed their blood for the liberation of Pakistan and cause of Kashmir."

"I salute your for your sacrifices and courage during Kargil operation."

He said Northern Light Infantory (NLI) had been given status of a full regiment.

He said his government was making its utmost to revive the country's sagging economy.

He said the Army Monitoring System was being utilised to supervise proper use of public money.

He said the government was also taking steps for devolution of powers upto grass-roots level. In this regard, he said power would be relegated upto Tehsil level, "so that people can run their affairs themselves."

He said the election on women and technocrat seats and deputy chief executive of the council would also be conducted soon.

He called upon the people to forge unity in their ranks for the sake of development and progress of the country. "We should rise above petty differences. The enemy tries to exploit these differences for its ulterior motives and we must not permit it to do so."

He said Pakistan had been gifted with enormous resources by Allah Almighty. "We need to exploit these resources properly."

The Cheif Executive said he intended to convene a high-level meeting in Islamabad to chalk out a comprehensive strategy for the uplift and development of Northern Areas. "We will give you developmental funds provided it is used properly and honestly."

He said the government had earmarked Rs one billion for the progress and development of Northern Areas.

Giving the breakdown, he said, Rs 200 million had been allocated for poverty alleviation, Rs 340 million for roads construction and maintenance, Rs. 540 million for telecommunication and Rs 150 million for power sectors.

He also announced Rs 10 million for the people who were affected from Indian shelling across the Line of Control (LoC).

He also stressed the need for exploring means to promote tourism industry in Northern Areas.

Earlier, the Chief Executive attended a briefing about the Cadet College project.ÑAPP